Rumor: Pistons helping Nets land Anthony and Billups?

Two sources confirmed to CBSSports.com Friday night that the Nets were trying to recruit the Pistons to enter a blockbuster three-team scenario in which New Jersey would’ve gotten Anthony and Chauncey Billups from the Nuggets and Richard Hamilton from the Pistons. The complicated and intriguing scenario was first reported by the The Record of Hackensack, N.J.

Then Detroit would be back. They’d have the horses to beat the Boston Celtics and win another championship.

Well, the plan never materialized. Instead of landing a big-ticket free agent, Dumars signed underachievers like Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. And instead of rebuilding on the fly, the Pistons have gotten worse.

They’re part of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. Only they aren’t competing for Anthony, the big-ticket piece they supposedly covet. They’ve been relegated to third team status.

Reports indicate the Pistons’ involvement will allow the Nets to get Anthony, and former Piston Billups, who Dumars originally dealt to the Denver Nuggets for Iverson three years ago.

Things have come full circle for Piston-nation. Rebuilding on the fly didn’t work. Now Dumars must tear the team he built down and start all over.